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Speyside single malt scotch whisky

Score: 92/100

What they say:

Cask No. 85.26

Fragrantly perfumed, but with deeper aspects, the nose conveyed toffee popcorn, puff candy, beeswax, hob-nobs and vanilla ice-cream; also peach and mango, hessian and salty dry-roasted nuts. We agreed the palate was mouth-coating, viscous and rich, with pineapple, heady floral sweetness, like parma violets and heather honey. With a drop of water the nose found apple granny cake (including caramel and pastry), pineapple chunks, scented candles and distant incense smoke. The palate still balanced the fruity and the perfumed (clean laundry, soapy bubbles) against deeper resonances (tobacco, ginger, euthymol toothpaste). Charming layers from the distillery named after the county town.

What I say:

Another distillery bagged on my SMWS tour. This time Glen Elgin (SMWS Distillery #85). Luckily for me this one was 28 years old and the only #85 available at the bar so took one for the team this time. Actually was my starter dram for a wee Valentine’s jaunt and some nibbles. Food as always was exceptional quality at the SMWS 28 Queen Street venue.